The Moroccan national team secured a place in the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) by defeating the Democratic Republic of Congo 3-1 on Sunday, during the final matchday of the group stage.
The local Lions struck early in the match thanks to Oussama Lamlioui, who scored a brilliant goal in the 8th minute. But the Congolese quickly responded, equalizing just before halftime through Kitambala (43rd minute), completely reopening the game.
In the second half, Morocco regained the upper hand. Abdelmounaïm Hrimat restored his team’s lead with a penalty in the 70th minute (1-2). Then Lamlioui, once again, scored his second goal of the evening to secure the victory for his side, assisted perfectly by Youssef Mehri (1-3).
The Moroccan forward could have even completed a hat-trick late in the match, but his goal in the 85th minute was ruled out by VAR for offside.
With this controlled victory, Morocco confirms its status as a serious title contender and now looks ahead to the quarter-finals with confidence.